Help Me Get Rid of VHS Tapes

[HumboldtGurl]

I searched the Forums but didn't see this subject posted anywhere...

I'm visiting my parents and finally convinced them to get rid of their VHS tape collection (over 100 tapes!) to help de-clutter their garage. Yay!

Only problem is, I have no idea where to take these tapes. I'd sure hate to see them go into the trash. I've thought about calling around to senior centers and old folks homes, but does anyone have other ideas for us? We're in the Los Angeles area if it matters

Thanks for giving this some thought!

[Dhiana]

I've seen artists use the ribbon to crochet/knit non-fabric clothing and other artsy pieces. Maybe post them as a collection on Craigslist or a free cycle type of site. I'm sure when thrift shops get them in they go right in the trash :( Even DVDs are going away.

It is a rare person who has much interest in VHS anymore, although my aunt and uncle still have a fully functioning Betamax and a beta tape movie collection to go with it =0

[sweetana3]

My 80 year old motherinlaw still watches VHS. She has a player that plays both. It would be wise to check around to senior complexes and such to see if they have any desire for them. They would be the ones to still use the players and want the older shows/movies.

Our library sale also sells the VHS. So they might take the donations.

[zeaxmays]

if they are real movies, then they can be donated to whomever. but if they are recorded blank tapes, they are trash.

[CathyA]

I'm fortunate to have one of the few places about 45 miles from here that recycles VHS tapes, CDs, audio tapes and jewel cases. Surely there are more out there. Have you googled something like "recycling centers that take VHS tapes"?
I'm sure this local place would take them if you shipped them, but it might cost you quite a bit.
I feel better recycling some things, rather than finding new homes for them, because I fear the next owners will just eventually throw them out.
I can give you the place's address and phone number, if you want to go that route.
I've taken hundreds of them there.

[SteveinMN]

I still see tons of them at thrift stores, so someone is buying them and thrift stores are accepting them. Home-recorded tapes, though ... timeshifting is one thing, but "home movies" I'd probably bulk-erase before donating or recycle if possible.

[catherine]

I agree with the thrift store idea. We've recently learned that there is a demand for them at our church thrift store.

[fidgiegirl]

There is always Freecycle as well.

My girlfriend has a TV with built-in VHS that she lets her boys watch in their rooms, and I tried to convince my parents to give their old dusty Disney movies to her to use, but they wouldn't part with them, even though they have no grandchildren to watch them, no VCR to watch them on, and by the time they come up with either one, everything will be streamed anyway. :( Let us know what you decide.

[pony mom]

This place is cool, but they don't take VHS tapes, just CDs and DVDs. The dog looks just like my late Gemma (with the accent and lisp):

http://www.discsfordogs.org/

[Gardenarian]

Try putting them for free on Craigslist. I have a tv in my cabin that only plays VHS and I know there are others out there!

[zeaxmays]

give their old dusty Disney movies to her to use, but they wouldn't part with them

valuable collectors items, only released from the vault for a short while.

[fidgiegirl]

valuable collectors items, only released from the vault for a short while.

:laff: